Roma held, Juventus sweep Napoli aside

Serie A leaders AS Roma conceded a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw at home to US Sassuolo Calcio, allowing Juventus to close within a point by posting an impressive 3-0 win against fellow title rivals SSC Napoli.

After their quest for an 11th consecutive opening victory ended at Torino FC last week, a spirited response ensured Roma took a 19th-minute lead courtesy of Alessandro Longhi's own goal. There was a late twist in the tale, though, as Domenico Berardi levelled deep in added time.

That presented a chance to either Juventus or Napoli to ramp up the pressure at the top, and Juve duly seized it as Fernando Llorente tapped in from Carlos Tévez's back-heeled flick in the second minute. Second-half strikes from Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba then increased the advantage, with Angelo Ogbonna's late dismissal the only negative for the champions.

Elsewhere, Riccardo Montolivo was sent off for AC Milan and AC Chievo Verona lost Sergio Pellissier the same way in a match that finished goalless, while ACF Fiorentina edged UC Sampdoria 2-1 and ten-man Parma FC drew 1-1 at home to SS Lazio. As for Genoa CFC, they recorded their third straight success by dispatching fifth-placed Hellas Verona FC 2-0.

Meanwhile, Daniele Conti weighed in with both goals as Cagliari Calcio ended a run of three consecutive losses by overcoming Torino 2-0. Atalanta BC also returned to winning ways thanks to a 2-0 defeat of Bologna FC.